Tag Archives: iceland

Post navigation

This short video is comprised of all the video footage I shot while in Iceland while my cameras were not being used for timelapse and still photography. This video was shot entirely on the Canon 5DII. I also created a timelapse video from the trip titled “Midnight Sun | Iceland” which can be viewed here vimeo.com/30581015

This short time lapse film was shot during the Icelandic Midnight Sun in June of 2011. Locations include Jokusarlon, Budir, Landmannalaugar, Godafoss, Lake Myvatn, Vik, Dyrholaey, and many more.

For 17 days I travelled solo around the entire island shooting almost 24 hours, sleeping in the car, and eating whenever I had the time. During my days shooting in Iceland I shot 38,000 images, travelled some 2900 miles, and saw some of the most amazing, beautiful, and indescribable landscapes on the planet. Iceland is absolutely one of the most beautiful and unusual places you could ever imagine. Especially during the Midnight Sun when the quality of light hitting the landscape is very unusual, and very spectacular.

Iceland is a landscape photographers/cinematographers paradise and playground, and should be number 1 on every photographers must visit list. Iceland during the Midnight Sun is in sort of a permanent state of sunset. The sun never full sets and travels horizontally across the horizon throughout the night.

During the Arctic summer, sunset was at midnight and sunrise was at 3am. The Arctic summer sun provided 24 hours a day of light, with as much as 6 hours daily of “Golden light”. Once the sun had set it wouldn’t even get dark enough for the stars to come out, and they don’t start to reappear until August.

My advice to everyone out there, photographer or not, is simple… You MUST visit Iceland sometime during your lifetime. You will never regret it.

Wow Air, Iceland’s famed low-cost airline has something really amazing in store for travellers that hope to embrace the west as the airline is offering cheap flights from New Delhi to North America. The airline has recently announced that from December 7, 2018, they will be starting flights from Delhi to prime European and North American destination with fares starting from Rs. 13,499. And the cherry on top is that the fares aren’t an introductory affair. Furthermore, the CEO of Wow Air was heard saying that the flights that run from India to North America for a fact overlook Iceland and hence it can be the perfect hub for India to North America traffic. The journey from New Delhi will run through five times a week between New Delhi and Keflavik airport, Iceland. Another plus point for opting this route is the connecting time as compared to what there is already in use to Dubai, Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London. Maintaining their legacy of cheap flights, the CEO Skuli Mogensen also mentioned that as compared to the full-service carriers like Emirates Airline offer, their tickets on Airbus SE A330neo aircraft will be merely half the cost.

Giving passengers a comfortable experience that too at low cost is definitely the next new thing that is taking the aviation industry by a storm. And in this case, there are chances that Wow Air might make its place in the World’s fastest growing major aviation market which at present is dominated by the popular international airlines. Other local budget carriers are also trying to catch up with the pace and hence coming up with low-cost plans in the future.

Now let’s take a look at a few insights about the offer by Wow Air that you should know before your mind does all the planning for your International holidays:

Wow Air offers four fare class where one can choose from Wow basic, Wow plus, Wow comfy and Wow premium.
The price of Wow basic starts from Rs. 13,499 whereas the price goes up to Rs. 46,599 onwards if you opt for Wow Premium.
The aircraft has 365 seats out of which 42 are premium.
Additional charges will be levied for any baggage except a laptop-sized bag apart from some premium class seats.
Passengers can choose to fly to 15 North American cities apart from the European destinations.
The airline will operate five times a week from India with Airbus A330Neo aircraft out of the three aircrafts it operates namely Airbus A320, 13 Airbus A321 and three Airbus A330 aircraft.
The flights connecting New Delhi to New York will take 10.5 hours from Delhi to Reykjavik, Iceland. Followed by a 2 hours layover and another 5.5 hours from there reaching up to a total of 18-20 hours journey.
Presently, the low-cost carrier offers its customers flight to 37 destinations across Asia, North America and Europe.

Looking a bit into the history of this successfully emerging Airline in Iceland, it was the sole effort of entrepreneur Skuli Mogensen in the year 2011, who already has his technology and telecom business set up in Europe, North America and Iceland. And from that day till now, Wow Air and Skuli Mogensen have only seen great highs, where the airlines was seen bagging the award for the 5th best low-cost, long-haul airline in the world at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Whereas the CEO, Skuli Mogensen won Businessman of the Year in Iceland for the year 2011 and 2016. The airline that started its first flight from Paris has now taken over 37 destinations across North America, Asia and Europe with its focus on offering incredibly cheap flights and class apart customer service.

Ephemeral is a film about the ever-changing state of nature. As humans, we expect everything to be the same — day in and day out. But if we look to nature, we see that nothing lasts forever. The universe is in a constant state of change.

Shot over 12 months, the film covers Iceland in its various states of change. From the long days of summer to the long nights of winter, the stunning colors of the midnight sun to the equally breathtaking northern lights, the green and lush summer to the snow-covered winter, Iceland is a great example of extreme opposites and drastic change when nature’s elements come together in all of its beauty, growth and destruction.

Thanks to our sponsors: Kessler: for their amazing tools for filmmakers. I was fortunate to shoot with their Second Shooter for all my motion controlled shots. kesslercrane.com LRTimelapse: Gunther’s software is a must-have tool for processing professional quality timelapses. lrtimelapse.com Glacier Car Rental: for providing me with transportation so I could shoot at all of these fabulous locations. glaciercarrental.is Shot, edited, and available in 8K.

Ready for an epic road trip driving in Iceland? Renting a car is the best way to experience this beautiful country. But there are a few things you should know before you start your adventure.

So you’ve embraced your inner Leif Erikson, and you’re finally planning a trip to Iceland! Welcome to the club.

Road tripping around Iceland’s Ring Road, or the Golden Circle, are some of my favorite travel adventures to date (after 8 years and 50+ countries!)

Iceland will always have a special place in my heart.

Renting a car and driving Iceland on your own is the best way to experience this stunning and diverse country, as it truly gives you the freedom to stop at each and every waterfall, volcano, hot-spring, and glacier along the way.

Here are some important tips for driving in Iceland, so you’re ready to hit the road and start exploring the land of fire and ice.

Hey, if you’re a fan of bus tours, by all means go book one. It’s a wonderful way to see a country if you don’t have a lot of time. No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work.

But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure and challenge of independent travel. True exploration, with no set schedule or timetable. The freedom to stop anywhere interesting you find along the way.

Maybe you want to capture an epic waterfall sunrise photo at 6am without 100 other tourists around. Maybe you want to drive off the beaten path, excited with anticipation of what you’ll discover around the next bend.

If that’s the kind of traveler you are, then renting a car and self-driving around Iceland is the way to go!

Where To Rent Your Car

Renting a car from Keflavík International Airport is the most obvious choice, however you can also rent them in Reykjavik later if you plan to spend a few days in the city first.

The airport is about 40 minutes away from Reykjavik city.

During my three weeks traveling in Iceland, I rented an SUV for two weeks, and a campervan for one week.

RentalCars.com searches all the big car rental companies and finds the best price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a car or truck in Iceland.

Happy Campers rents fully-equipped campervans with a bed, kitchen, space heater, and everything you’d need for your road trip. It was an awesome way to see the country!

Iceland’s Adventurous F-Roads

Iceland’s Different Road Types

With the variety of landforms and terrain in Iceland, you’ve got to think about the type of trip you want to have. Do you want to carve your way across the Icelandic highlands like a Nordic explorer? Or do you plan on having a more relaxed and comfortable drive around the island?

This will determine the roads you’ll encounter and the vehicle you’ll need.

Ring Road & Golden Circle (Paved)

You can see some of Iceland’s most popular destinations driving around the Ring Road (Route 1). This mostly paved road runs a giant circle around the outer rim of the island and through many towns, including the capital of Reykjavik.

There are some remote sections with gravel, but a 2-wheel-drive vehicle will still get the job done. Speed limits average 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph) on these roads.

You can choose a 2WD vehicle for the Golden Circle, too. This short route is a great day trip from Reykjavik if you’re short on time (like during a layover).

Did you know that 54% of Icelanders believe in elves or the possibility they exist? If you want to search for them, you’ll find them near the F-roads.

These special designated dirt and gravel mountain roads wind through Iceland’s rugged interior highlands. It is strongly advised that people travel in groups of 2 or more cars for safety should a breakdown occur, just like remote jeep trails in the United States.

The rocky, muddy conditions are more treacherous than other gravel roads. You can travel for miles without seeing any other cars.

Iceland’s F-roads require a 4-wheel-drive rental car. They also require your full attention. Some F-Roads can get quite rough, with glacial river crossings.

USEFUL TIP: F-Road doesn’t mean off-road. Driving completely off marked roads in Iceland is illegal and can damage your rental and the environment.

Local Access H-Roads (Gravel)

These are dirt roads that often lead to farms and private homes off the main paved roads in Iceland. They are better maintained than the F-Roads, don’t require a 4X4 in the summer, but aren’t plowed as frequently as paved roads in the winter time.

Renting a Campervan in Iceland

What Kind Of Vehicle Do You Need?

If you can’t drive manual stick shifts, double check that you’re actually renting an automatic vehicle, because most rental cars in Iceland are manual.

The type of vehicle you’ll need depends largely on the season, weather conditions, and road type.

Two Wheel Drive

Small 2WD cars are the most affordable, and perfectly suitable for day trips around Reykjavik and the popular paved roads that run around Iceland (like the Golden Circle and Ring Road).

All 2WD rental cars in Iceland are equipped with studded tires during the winter season to help with traction on ice too.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? – Renting a small car in Iceland is going to cost between $40 – $100 USD per day (4200 ISK to 10,600 ISK) depending on the model/season.

The affordable 4×4 Suzuki Jimny, or a more expensive Land Rover is perfect for Iceland’s rugged F-Roads. If you plan to explore Iceland’s back roads at any point, you’ll want one of these four-wheel drive bad boys.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? – Renting a 4X4 SUV in Iceland is going to cost between $100 – $250 USD per day (10,600 ISK – 26,500 ISK). A fancy Land Rover or Super Jeep will set you back $400+ per day.

Driving in Iceland can result in some pretty harsh conditions that many people aren’t prepared for — so I always recommend getting the extra car insurance options available to you.

Collision Damage Waiver

Car rental companies typically offer various levels of a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which isn’t exactly insurance. Instead, it means the rental company won’t charge you over a predetermined limit if you drop off the rental car with damage.

But this limit still tends to be upwards of $1750 for the basic CDW, and companies in Iceland are more likely to inspect every inch of your vehicle.

The basic CDW comes free with every rental. With most companies, an additional daily fee (about $10 and up) allows you to upgrade to Super CDW (SCDW), Grand CDW, and even Premium CDW. This lowers the amount you’ll be liable for in the end should damage occur to the vehicle.

These higher-level CDWs usually come with added protection like:

Gravel Protection – Gravel roads abound in Iceland. There’s a risk of other drivers spraying rocks at your vehicle as they drive by, so it makes sense to grab this one for a few extra bucks a day.

Ice Protection – Ice. Land. It’s in the name! Get this add-on, especially if you’re traveling in the winter. Sliding off icy roads is a common occurrence in Iceland.

River Crossing Insurance – Read the terms carefully. If it only covers water up to half of the wheel-well, you’re not protected for deeper crossings (which you’ll find plenty of on F-roads).

You’ll also want to check if the rental company sets a mileage limit. Always try to get the unlimited milage option!

Dangerous Sheep in Iceland

Watch Out For Animals!

There are 3 types of large animals that may cross your path while driving in Iceland, and crashing into them will definitely ruin your trip.

Iceland has a lot of sheep. In the summer, they’re allowed to roam free through the countryside, often walking across the road.

Beautiful and funny Icelandic horses can sometimes be moved from one pasture to another via roadways too.

If you’re driving in the remote North East of Iceland, you may see some wild reindeer in the winter. Reindeer were brought over from Norway in the 18th century, but were never domesticated.

Remember to slow down and pass any animals near the road very carefully.

Iceland’s Speed Cameras

You won’t see too many police cars on the roads driving around Iceland. However Iceland does enforce its speed limit with camera traps.

These nondescript boxes on the side of the road record your speed and take a photo if you’re driving over the limit, resulting in a steep fine.

The speed limit in Iceland is 90km/h (55mph) on paved roads, 80km/h (49mph) per hour on dirt roads, and 50km/h (31mph) per hour in cities.

Also note that seatbelts are mandatory in Iceland, and just good common sense anyway.

Emergency Roadside Weather Shelter

Be Prepared For Extreme Weather

Weather can get severe in Iceland from time to time. So severe, that 70mph wind gusts have been known to blow open car doors backwards, bending the hinges or ripping them off completely!

To prevent wind damage try to park your car with wind pushing the car door closed, not open. Open your window first, and stick your hand out to test wind strength, then slowly open the door with two hands.

Don’t assume you can handle driving through an Icelandic snow storm just because you grew up in New England, because the weather can be VERY different here.

Weather changes quickly in Iceland, and a sunny morning can easily turn into a snowstorm later that day. Iceland has a fantastic website to check real-time road conditions called Road.is. They even have a handy smartphone app.

Gas Stations & Fuel Advice

Gas stations in Iceland are scarce once you get further away from the cities, but spread out across the island. Be sure to fuel up before setting out, and re-fuel often — try not to let it fall below half a tank.

You’ll find plenty of gas stations on the Ring Road until you reach the more remote Eastern and Northern parts of the country, where they start to thin out. Fill up more frequently out there.

Iceland is a remote island, without a lot of people/cars. At about $2 USD per liter ($7.50 USD per gallon), gas for your road trip is going to be expensive. Diesel isn’t much better right now, so check the prices and plan accordingly.

USEFUL TIP: If you’re up in the highland’s driving Iceland’s F-roads, it’s wise to bring a spare gas can.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Do You Need GPS?

Many car rental companies in Iceland will try to up-sell you a GPS device for your road trip. However this is not needed if you have international cell service, or pick up a local SIM card at the airport or in Reykjavik before you embark on your journey.

Maybe bring along a dashboard or windshield smartphone holder so you can use the GPS maps hands-free while driving.

Along with Google Maps, I’d also recommend downloading the Gaia GPS Hiking App, which will help you get around Iceland’s backcountry hiking trails, even if you don’t have cell service. Here’s a handy guide for using it.

Don’t Stop In The Middle Of The Road!

Many of Iceland’s roads lack breakdown lanes, or have small ones. However because the scenery in Iceland is so spectacular, tourists are constantly stopping on the edge of the road to take photos.

Don’t do this! It’s not safe, and you might cause an accident.

If you really have to get that amazing photo, keep driving until you find a proper turn-off, park, and walk back to that perfect spot. Even if it takes you an extra 10 minutes.

That photo opportunity can wait a little, it’s simply not worth the danger of stopping in the middle of the road when there’s traffic passing by. Please be respectful of everyone else driving in Iceland.

Be Prepared for Extreme Conditions

Pack Proper Gear For Iceland

Even though Iceland is becoming a very popular tourist destination, parts of it are still pretty remote. Between large towns, you could be driving for a while before you’ll find regular civilization.

With this in mind, it’s wise to pack extra food, snacks, and water for your road trip. I’d also make sure you have proper clothing for cold weather and stormy conditions, warm and waterproof layers. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots too.

A first aid kit is always a great idea, here’s the one I travel with on my frequent adventures around the world. You never know when it will come in handy.

You Can’t Just Camp Anywhere

Car Camping Restrictions

So, you’ve packed a tent in your car, or you’re driving a camper van. You assume it’s legal to camp anywhere you please on this beautiful island. But should you? Can you legally camp anywhere in Iceland?

According to the Environment Agency of Iceland (EAI):

“Camping with no more than three tents is allowed on uncultivated ground for a single night, unless the landowner has posted a notice to the contrary. However, campers should always use designated campsites where they do exist. Do not camp close to farms without permission. If a group of more than three tents is involved, these campers must seek permission from the landowner before setting up camp outside marked campsite areas.

It is illegal to spent the night in tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper van or similar outside organised campsites or urban areas unless the land owner or rightholder has given their permission.”

There are also protected areas in Iceland where you definitely may NOT camp. For a complete list of protected locations and descriptions of when to ask permission, visit the camping rules page.

Please use a designated campsite when it’s available. With more than three tents or driving a campervan, ask permission of the landowner. Avoid protected areas.

If you do choose to camp outside designated areas, please follow the rules above, and leave no trace of your presence behind — so Iceland stays beautiful for locals and future travelers.

Driving Iceland in the Winter

Winter Driving In Iceland

Every year tons of unprepared tourists get stuck or slide off the road due to Iceland’s winter driving conditions. I was hit with 2 snow storms during my 3 week trip during October/November.

Part of the problem is many people don’t have any real winter driving experience, or they over-estimate their abilities.

Getting your rental car stuck in the snow or ice is a very real possibility during winter in Iceland. Do you know how to get yourself out?

Clear snow away from your tires, using a shovel or hands and feet.
Straighten your tires, rock the vehicle back and forth, shifting from drive to reverse.
Create traction under your tires using dirt, sand, branches, granola, floor mats, anything you can find.

Always fill your gas tank when possible, especially in the winter. Getting stuck in a snowstorm and spending the night in your vehicle is a remote possibility. Without gas to keep it running (and warm), things get dangerous quickly.

When driving through heavy snow, try to stay inside the tire tracks. Drive slowly, and carefully move over to the edge when passing oncoming traffic.

Off-Road Driving Tips

F-Road Driving Tips

While driving Iceland’s remote & rugged F-Roads is not technically driving off-road, basically you need to think of them as exactly that.

These roads are extremely basic, and not really maintained. In the United States, they’d be called “jeep trails” or “fire roads”.

So the same kind of safety concerns apply. You are on your own out there. No gas stations, no towns, no tow trucks.

If you get a flat, get stuck in the mud, or your engine breaks down, it could be a while before someone passes by who can help.

It’s forbidden to drive Iceland’s F-Roads without a 4X4 vehicle due to the rough conditions.
Traveling in pairs with a second vehicle is highly recommended, in case one of you breaks down.
F-Roads are only open during the summer months, generally June – August (or first snow). Some don’t open until July.

How To Cross A River

If you’re driving the paved Ring Road or Golden Circle, you’ll have normal bridges. However if you’re traveling to Iceland’s interior highlands on the dirt F-Roads, you may encounter a few rivers without them.

Crossing a river in a 4X4 truck requires a bit of planning. If you’ve never done it before, here are some tips.

Know where your vehicle’s “water line” is (maximum depth). Going past it may result in damage.
Try to cross glacial rivers early in the morning, when the flow is lower. As the day heats up, the river gets more powerful/deeper.
Shift your vehicle into 4X4 “low” before you start to cross, not in the middle of the river.
Drive slow and steady through the current. Don’t drive too fast or “splash” into the water (it could kill the engine).
Drive diagonally downstream, so the current helps push you across.
Stick to the marked crossing points, and don’t assume it’s always safe to cross. Try to watch someone else go first.

What to Do During an Emergency?

Accident & Breakdown Info

112 is the only emergency number in Iceland. This is what you’d call to report any bad accidents, fire, crime, search & rescue, or natural disasters. 112 can be reached from anywhere in Iceland, from any telephone, by voice or by SMS text message.

Another great resource is the 112 Iceland App, that lets you “check in” before going on a hike or doing anything risky, to help provide location information if something goes wrong later.

If it’s not a life-or-death emergency, like your car breaks down or you get a flat tire, then contact your rental car office for help.

If you break down and you’re not exactly sure where you are, please don’t leave your car. Stay with your vehicle until someone passes by who can help.

Iceland’s F-Roads are patrolled by search & rescue teams who check for stranded drivers on a semi-regular basis.

Have Fun Driving In Iceland!

I hope I didn’t scare you too much about driving in Iceland. It really is worth the extra effort to rent a car and drive yourself!

Regardless of which vehicle or road you choose, one thing’s for sure — renting a car in Iceland gives you the freedom to set your own path and reach stunning locations off-limits to the typical bus tourist.

It also lets you do it at your own pace and in a style that suits you. And besides, how do you expect to hunt for elves from your hotel room in Reykjavik? Get out there and drive around Iceland in your own rental car!

Eye of the Storm is a winter saga in Iceland. In Iceland there are many kinds of storms. Ice, snow, rain, sand, ash, solar, magnetic, and more.

Storms are agents of change. While often destructive and unpredictable, they also demonstrate the unyielding power of nature. They reveal nature’s beauty and its hand in creating the landscapes we see today.

Shot in Iceland between February and March, 2014, I was lucky enough to witness and film the power of an X-class solar flare and coronal mass ejection hitting our atmosphere. The resulting auroras were a sight hard to believe, even in person and seeing it with my very own eyes. Enjoy the film!

I also want to give thanks and appreciation to Thorvardur Arnason for his friendship and invaluable help during my trip in Iceland. He is an amazing photographer as well as a timelapse filmmaker. thorri.is

Shot on the Canon 1-DC and 5D Mk III in 5K raw. Motion control using Kessler Crane Cinedrive, Shuttlepod Mini, Turntable and Oracle. Edited and available in Cinema 4K and Ultra HD.

Unless you’ve been living under a rather large rock, there’s a fairly good chance you’re aware of just how attractive Iceland is right now. But with prohibitively increasing car rental costs and rare accommodation outside the capital, planning a road trip can be a daunting task. Fret not: I’ve compiled a list of places that are doable as day trips from Reykjavik.

Visiting Iceland without a car is surprisingly easy as there is only one major ring road and plenty of tour operators catering to permit-free visitors or simply those who’d rather not be bothered with a vehicle.

Whether you’re after northern lights, scenic lookouts, exhilarating adventures or just the plain old scenic route, there’s a tour tailor-made for you.

The Best Day Trips From Reykjavik
Golden Circle

This quintessentially Icelandic expedition encompasses some of Iceland’s most photographed and notorious sights, including the tectonic rift at Þingvellir National Park (where it’s not only possible but strongly encouraged to walk in) and the literally boiling Strokkur geyser, as well as the multi-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and Kerið crater lake. Nearby is the Laugarvatn Fontana wellness centre, featuring natural hot springs and geothermal pools – a quieter, cheaper, and more tranquil alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

This tour can technically be done is just a few hours time, making it ideal for travellers with limited time on their hands.

It would be an understatement to say that thrill-seekers will have a field day in adventurous Iceland!

Go deep into Europe‘s second largest glacier at Langjökull, hike up Snæfellsjökull — the glacier that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth — explore all-natural ice caves at Jökulsárlón, scuba dive in the world’s clearest waters at the tectonic drift in Þingvellir National Park, mingle with birds and whales on a kayaking expedition in the West Fjords or trek on one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Hekla — which, funnily enough, is nicknamed the “Gateway to Hell”.

The attractive road trip will take you to the East Fjords and back and along some of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping vistas.

Notable and worthwhile stops include Seljalandsfoss, Seljavellir, a concealed man-made hot spring pool right at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull, the Westman Islands, Skogarfoss, the Folk Museum, Dyrholaey and the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vatnajökull glacier and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the picturesque fishing hamlet of Hofn, and, lastly, the stunningly beautiful east fjords – all of which will be awash with Icelandic horses and lush lupine expanses.

This is the lengthiest possible way to fully take advantage of a stopover in Iceland, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

The past year I have been filming the Northern Lights in Iceland during the Solar Maximum — the peak of solar activity that occurs every 10-11 years.

On March 17th, 2015, I was fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time when the solar storm of the decade hit Earth. The sky was covered with auroras so strong, they were visible at dusk. This continued all night until dawn. In the film you will see rare red, yellow, white, blue and violet purple auroras.

I was also fortunate to get shots of aurora borealis lighting up the sky while the Bárðarbunga volcano was erupting. The orange/red glow you will see in the distance is from the hot lava spewing from the volcano.

A joint collaboration with rock / ambient / experimental band MONO (monoofjapan.com), Legend takes you on an epic journey through Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes during the time of the midnight sun.

The film travels across Iceland, from the floating blue icebergs of Jokulsarlon’s glacial lagoon to the steaming geothermic vents of Myvatn, the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar to the breathtaking sunsets on Snaefellnes Peninsula, and the barren volcanic landscapes of Askja to the vast fields of lupin near Husavik.

Legend was shot over a 2 week period in June 2012 when the sun barely sets below the horizon and you never see darkness. It was filmed completely in 5K resolution using Canon full frame DSLRs on motion timelapse equipment from Kessler Crane. Mono’s score of the same name, Legend, is from their upcoming album “For my parents”. Its edgy cinematic and epic quality helps describe Iceland – a breathtakingly beautiful yet unforgivingly dangerous place.

Special thanks to Egill Agustsson and Adalsteinn Petur Karlsson of Husavik for their help with my car problems on Iceland National Day. It’s the country’s biggest holiday and they helped me get back on the road so I could continue filming.

Last but not least, a big thank you to fellow filmmaker Joe Capra (scientifantastic.com) for his guidance and inspiration. His tips and advice were invaluable in helping me prepare for this trip.

“Two Lands – Greenland | Iceland” is the result of a very brief 10 day shoot I did. The video is a compilation of some of the footage I shot while there. Some of the other shots are in lockdown by the client so I used what I could to create this video. I spent 4 days shooting in Iceland and 6 days shooting in Greenland. Greenland locations include the Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, Ilimanaq, Ilulissat Ice Fjord, Russell Glacier, Greenland Icecap, and Disko Bay. Iceland locations include the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell, and Grundarfjörður. All footage was shot in super high resolution 4K Ultra HD.

Icelandic whalers have spent much of July ripping back the skin of 65-foot long endangered fin whales in preparation to butcher their meat.

Earlier this month, the commercial whaling company, Hvalur hf, may have also captured and skinned an endangered blue whale — the largest creature ever known to live on Earth — according to photographs from the ocean conservation and vigilante group Sea Shepherd.

Most every nation has prohibited killing whales, creatures whose populations were decimated by ruthless whaling practices in the 1800sInternational treaties also prohibit the antiquated practice, yet a few nations — Iceland, Japan, and Norway — have found legal rationals for hunting whales. Read more…